Screwdriver swap 2016, my entry

This is my entry for the screwdriver swap, 2016. After riding the fence for weeks I finally took the plunge. The problem was I had NO knowledge of how to make one, much less a set. I relied a lot on my friends also in the swap for tips and methods on how to make these. I think I drove a few crazy with questions. But that’s what is so wonderful about these swaps, learning and helping each other.

In addition to no knowledge, I also don’t have a lathe or drill press that would work. I began with several tests until I found a design. A five inch block with a taper cut along all four sides to the tip. Worked great on soft pine but I chose hard maple for the handles. A gift from my sawyer. That was a lot different I found out. After the tapers at about half way down I used a router with a round over bit for shaping. I followed this with the ferrells. Filing. Lots of filing. To install the shafts I used a “burn in” method I learned during the swap. Finished with danish oil.

The box was my bonus. Made from spalted maple, cherry and walnut. All also a gift from my sawyer. (What a guy).

This set went to jmartel, who also recieved my box during the box swap.

I want to thank mosquito for sponsoring this swap and Hokieken for giving me confidence and refusing to let me drop out.

-- We all make mistakes, the trick is to fix it in a way that says "I meant to do that".

Thanks for the comments guys. The case almost didn’t make it. Seems my Wife liked it really well. I guess I better make another one. Brian, at first I experimented with shapes. I tried triangle, six sided, and even dowel rods for round. I chose square and really liked the feel. It also allowed me to “keep it simple”. Glad you like them.

-- We all make mistakes, the trick is to fix it in a way that says "I meant to do that".